Japan Extends Invitation to Indonesia for 2026 World Health Expo

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo - Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura has hopes that Indonesia will participate in the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026, scheduled to take place in Osaka, Japan, from July 2–4, 2026.

The world-class health product exhibition is expected to draw around 425 participants from 46 countries. Yoshimura noted that Indonesia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka last year successfully captured the attention of the Japanese public.

“The Japanese people felt the warmth and diversity of Indonesian culture at that time,” Yoshimura said on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir and the Osaka Governor also discussed strengthening Indonesia–Japan cooperation in strategic sectors, including economics, energy, education, and defense.

“Especially with Osaka Prefecture, cooperation is ongoing in the areas of trade and sustainable investment,” Ambassador Kartini said.

She added that collaboration is expanding in workforce development and health, with bilateral ties growing stronger, particularly after President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Japan.

Ambassador Kartini’s meeting with Governor Yoshimura was her first since assuming her post in Tokyo. On the occasion, she congratulated Yoshimura and his party on joining the governing coalition.

In a separate meeting, Ambassador Kartini met Japan’s Ambassador for Kansai Affairs, Yasushi Misawa, at the MOFA Kansai Office in Osaka on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The two discussed efforts to improve connectivity between Osaka and Indonesia, including plans to revive Garuda Indonesia’s direct flight route to Osaka.

Kartini emphasized that the flight would strengthen business relations, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Both sides also addressed geopolitical developments and global conditions. Japan views Indonesia and ASEAN as important partners contributing to stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. (Misni Parjiati)